Post Feast Surprise

I'm engaged! On Sunday night, after we returned from Thanksgiving at Matt's parents' (I have in-laws now!) house, he asked me to marry him! We're both waaay over the moon and can't stop smiling. And I love my gray and "champagne" diamonds to pieces.

This won't turn into a bridal blog, but I just wanted to share my good news! Thanks for reading! : )

Just...ugh.

Sweatshirt: DIY; Dress: Thrifted; Tights: Target; Boots: Old Navy (recent)

My hair is very red. I hate it, the end. 

Attachment Issues

I love when Matt and I just happen upon a great new photo spot. Granted, it's a bit out of our way, but there is so much potential on the property that I wouldn't be surprised if we make it a weekly pilgrimage.

This sweater is part of a sort-of recent haul from my favorite local thrift spot. I left with an entire hug's worth of sweaters that I purchased with intent to re-sell, but it's kind of a problem when you're in love with everything you bring home. And this is why the bar on which all of my hangers rest came crashing to the floor this weekend my closet expands every five minutes. I need to work on my attachment issues, clearly.

Sweater: Thrifted; Skirt: VIntage; Tights: Target; Collar Neckalce: DIY; Shoes: Shoes of Soul

Happy Black Friday to those of you who are certifiably insane participating! I think I'll be keepin' it cozy with movies and blankets while I semi-prepare for Cyber Monday. Have a great weekend!

Holiday Movie Ideas

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving, everyone! As you might've surmised from my impeccable (don't you dare disagree... : )) Photoshop creation above, I wanted to share some of my favorite holiday movies with you today! But don't get it twisted: just because I call these "holiday" movies does not mean they're all Santa Clause and cookies (lookin' at you, Corleone...); they're just great movies to watch with family and friends around. The kind of movies you can really settle into with some (spiked?) cocoa and a blanket. Perfect for Thanksgiving, no? So without further ado:

L-R:
1. Midnight in Paris. Or just anything with Marion Cotillard, really (see #3). I can't get enough of her or the 1920s...or Woody Allen, Rachel McAdams, if we're being honest, so this is kind of my perfect movie (with the exception of all things #4, of course). Not to mention, Allen's Hemingway is deliciously spot-on- worth a viewing!

2. Star Trek (2009). I'll be honest and say I have yet to see this film. However, Matt watched it with his dad while back home for Thanksgiving a couple of years ago, and swears to me that it's incredible. That kind of review from Picky Peter (Matt, if you're not following) is enough for me, and he assures me we're watching it this year : ).

3. The Dark Knight (Rises). I added the "Rises" after having my mind blown in seeing the newest Batman addition just a month or so ago; can they get any better? Heath Ledger's final, complete performance is moving enough, but now you have the terror-inducing Bain and Ms. Cotillard in the villain chair...just watch them both. Sidenote: it wasn't until Rises that I realized I have major hots for Christian Bale.

4. The Godfather: Parts I and II absolutely, III only because you should see the complete saga. It may not be well known around these parts, but I am mafia obsessed. I just finished The Sopranos, and I can't wait to settle down to Thanksgiving leftovers on Friday  in front of the rise and fall of my favorite family. Also: Al Pacino was a total babe back in the day. Seriously, I can't say enough about these films. Just. Perfection.

5. Miracle on 34th Street (Mara Wilson remake). I know my fellow 90s girls will respect/recognize when I mention anything to do with Mara Wilson, so it should come as no surprise that this warm and fuzzy remake makes the list. I watched this with my mom every year while growing up, and I haven't let go of it yet. Memories, y'all.

6. The Family Stone. Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dermot Mulroney are the definition of dysfunctional family and I love every minute of it. It's fun to see SJP wig out for once, and Rachel McAdams can do no wrong.  Also, this movie has almost too much holiday goodness in it, so you'll definitely want to watch this just after those cookies come out of the oven. You're welcome.

That's it for me! I hope this helps anyone in need of some cozy family-time ideas. Eat lots tomorrow! : )

Spiked Apple Cider

Hey friends! Since I know a good number of you will be in full-on holiday mode this week and beyond, I thought I'd share one of my favorite gettin'-cozy-with-the-fam drinks with you!

Matt and I make this all the time, this time of year. We go through so many gallons of cider! It's our go-to because a) it's delicious and b) it's crazy easy (my favorite part). All you need is:

- Apple cider 

- Whiskey

- Cinnamon and nutmeg, or your favorite autumnal spices

1. Heat cider over stove.

2. We generally use a 2:1 ratio when mixing drinks, so pour 2 parts cider to 1 part whiskey, depending on your mug.

3. Add whatever spices/garnish you please! Let cool and enjoy!

P.S.- How great is this mustache mug Matt found on an antiquing trip? It's got a "mustache guard" so your drink stays out of your carefully-curated handlebar! I love it. : )

Cheers!

Unfortunate

This is one of those outfits that I wished would have photographed better. I think the colors are so dreamy together, but the whole look didn't translate like I'd imagined; the primary lackluster element being the fit of the sweater. It's supposed to "blouse over," but I think it's ends up looking more frumpy than classy. So, I suppose, thank you, unfortunate outfit, for forcing me to see the give-away or resale possibilities of this sweater. The end.

Sweater: Vintage; Skirt: Vintage; Tights: Target; Boots: Old Navy (recent)

Also- vintage bowtie as a bow!

Director's Cut

Shirt: Vintage; Blazer: Lux; Pants: Gap; Booties: Target (DIY'ed by me); Hat: Matt's closet : ); Collar Necklace: DIY'ed by me

Am I the only one who feels more like a director and less like a casual, sports-enthused person while wearing a baseball hat? The blazer (the right breast of which likes to fly open at any given moment, apparently...) only adds to that feeling; look out Ron Howard (why he's the first person I always think of when I think director- I don't know)!

Anyway, regardless of the extra surge of bossypants the hat gave me, I thought it was a fun addition to an otherwise serious ensemble. And of course, there are always the boots and the collar necklace to help with that, too.

Have a great weekend! If you celebrate Thanksgiving, what are you doing to prepare?

Black Velvet

Do you ever find an item you're really excited about, then change your clothes nearly immediately because you want to build an outfit around that new piece right away? That's what happened here. I found this Land's End (who knew?) floral button-down at a new-to-me thrift store, and changed as soon as I got home because I love it so much. Hypocritical of me, yes, but I couldn't say no to the cheeriness and on-point fit-- sue me. Sidenote: so glad to have found a thrift shop where Matt can find clothes! Does anyone else have trouble finding thrifted items for men, or is that just a Columbia thing?

Also, this dress is black velvet, if you can't tell, and I'm very excited about that.

Shirt: Thrifted; Dress: Vintage (altered by me); Shoes: UO; Socks: Target

I've got a warm, autumn drink to share tomorrow! Stop back by!

Pumpkin-Henge

After a documentary and before dinner with friends, Matt and I stopped by a local park to kill some time. It was "golden hour" so we walked along a path to a structure resembling Stonehenge to take some photos. What a pseudo Stonehenge is doing in a park in Columbia, MO, I don't know, but Matt sure had fun smashing some pumpkins that were left around the stones from Halloween (I'm working on a gif of said smashing-hopefully that pans out).

Would you be able to say no to a sparkly tweed skirt? I sure couldn't. You know, I often fall into the "grunge" category with my wears, but I find myself donning more and more sparkles lately. I will eternally harbor a love for plaid and boyfriend jeans, but sometimes a girl's just gotta show love to the glitter. Who's with me?

Shirt: Vintage; Hoodie: Gap; Skirt: Vintage; Jacket: Vintage; Tights: Target; Boots: Vintage

Happy Monday, everyone! Have a great week!

Dijon

After many years of much debate, I've come to a conclusion: mustard is the best color there is; especially for fall. It's so eye-catching on its own or with other mustard pieces, and makes complimentary colors pop like you wouldn't believe. And, yet again, I went jogging down monochromatic lane*. Perhaps it's the groggy state I'm in when I pick out my clothes in the morning, but there's something just so easy about being the same color from head to toe. Trust me; give it a try and your morning will be 25% less stressful. You might even have time to make an actual breakfast instead of running out the door with a spoonful of peanut butter in your mouth. #isthatjustme?

Shirt: Thrifted: Pants: Target; Sweater: Vintage; Hat & Socks: Target; Necklace: UO; Booties: Old Navy (recent)

Happy weekend, everybody! See you Monday! : )

*Let's be real, the last time I went jogging was before allergy season, and these pants are straight brown. But we'll pretend they're "spicy brown mustard" colored, k?